England men’s U20 head coach, Alan Dickens, has named four Sharks in his matchday squad to take on Scotland this Friday (KO 19:00) when they open their 2023 Under-20 Six Nations campaign at Twickenham Stoop.
Rekeiti Ma’asi-White will start in the number 13 shirt, while Nye Thomas, Tristan Woodman and Asher Opoku-Fordjour are named as replacements.
Archie McArthur and Tim Hoyt are the starting props, with Finn Theobald-Thomas named at hooker.
Lewis Chessum captains the side, partnered by Danny Eite in the second row, whjile Finn Carnduff, Greg Fisilau and Chandler Cunningham-South form a powerful backrow.
In the halves, Charlie Bracken and Monty Bradbury are paired together, while Joseph Woodward and Ma’asi-White, who joined Sharks from Wasps, will line up in the midfield.
Josh Hathway and Tobias Elliott both get their first England U20 starts on the wing and Sam Harris is set to wear the number 15 jersey.
Calum Scott, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Afolabi Fasogbon, Robert Carmichael, Tristan Woodman, Nye Thomas, Louie Johnson and Toby Cousins will come from the bench.
Speaking ahead of the game, Dickens said: “For all players named, this game will be a very important moment and so they should savour the occasion this Friday evening. Special congratulations should also go to the boys who will get their first England cap.
“We’re looking forward to taking on what I’m sure will be a strong Scotland side at Twickenham Stoop. It’s our first game of the Six Nations in 2023, which is always a bit of an unknown as we’re unsure what the opposition will bring, but that also means we can focus on what we’re doing as a team.
“We’ve had a very worthwhile time together in camp, as well as two good games against Oxford University and Loughborough University. The commitment and mindset from the players has so far been nothing short of exceptional and on Friday evening they’ll be able to take that hard work into the tournament.”
England men’s U20 team
1. Archie McArthur
2. Finn Theobald-Thomas
3. Tim Hoyt
4. Danny Eite
5. Lewis Chessum
6. Finn Carnduff
7. Greg Fisilau
8. Chandler Cunningham-South
9. Charlie Bracken
10. Monty Bradbury
11. Josh Hathway
12. Joseph Woodward
13. Rekeiti Ma’asi-White
14. Tobias Elliott
15. Sam Harris
16. Calum Scott
17. Asher Opoku-Fordjour
18. Afolabi Fasogbon
19. Robert Carmichael
20. Tristan Woodman
21. Nye Thomas
22. Louie Johnson
23. Toby Cousins
U20 Six Nations home fixtures
Friday 3 February – England v Scotland – KO 19:00 GMT – Twickenham Stoop, London
For media accreditation please contact: Tristan Hall (Tristan.hall@quins.co.uk) with name and outlet, and parking request.
Friday 10 February – England v Italy – KO 19:00 GMT – Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester
For media accreditation, register here.
Friday 24 February – Wales v England – KO 19:15 GMT
Friday 10 March – England v France – KO 20:00 GMT – The Recreation Ground, Bath
For media accreditation, register here by Wednesday, 1 February.
Sunday 19 March – Ireland v England – KO 17:00 GMT
Tickets for the 2023 Under-20 Six Nations home fixtures are on sale and can be purchased via englandrugby.com/tickets.
